Subject category:
Production and Operations Management
Published by:
IBS Center for Management Research
Length: 14 pages
Data source: Published sources
Topics:
Whirlpool Corporation; Electronic data interchange (EDI); Global procurement; 'Push' and 'pull' manufacturing; e-initiatives; Inventory management; On-line shopping; Demand management; Outsourcing; Appliance industry in the US; Maytag; Electrolux; Globalisation of key functions; Supply chain management; NV Philips
Abstract
This case discusses the operations management processes adopted by Whirlpool. The case begins with a detailed description of the history of Whirlpool. It describes how Whirlpool grew from being a small firm manufacturing wringer washers in 1911, to becoming one of the most well- established brands in the world appliance market by the early 2000s. The case explains the various initiatives on operations management taken up by Whirlpool. It also explains the reasons behind the company changing its manufacturing strategy from a 'push' system to a 'pull' system and further to a 'hybrid push/pull' system. The case then gives a detailed description of the e-Inititiatives taken up by Whirlpool. By 1999, Whirlpool started using electronic data interchange (EDI) as a part of its supply chain inititiative, in order to cut down on expenses. In September 2002, it decided to leverage on the e-commerce boom and launched an on-line sales programme calle e-Partner. Whirlpool also decided to outsource some of its logistics activities to third parties so that it could concentrate on its key processes.
Teaching and learning
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Abstract
This case discusses the operations management processes adopted by Whirlpool. The case begins with a detailed description of the history of Whirlpool. It describes how Whirlpool grew from being a small firm manufacturing wringer washers in 1911, to becoming one of the most well- established brands in the world appliance market by the early 2000s. The case explains the various initiatives on operations management taken up by Whirlpool. It also explains the reasons behind the company changing its manufacturing strategy from a 'push' system to a 'pull' system and further to a 'hybrid push/pull' system. The case then gives a detailed description of the e-Inititiatives taken up by Whirlpool. By 1999, Whirlpool started using electronic data interchange (EDI) as a part of its supply chain inititiative, in order to cut down on expenses. In September 2002, it decided to leverage on the e-commerce boom and launched an on-line sales programme calle e-Partner. Whirlpool also decided to outsource some of its logistics activities to third parties so that it could concentrate on its key processes.